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6

A.

 

FORWARD

B.

 

NEUTRAL

C.

 

REVERSE

D.

NEUTRAL LOCK POSITION

Moving a lever forward (A, Figure 6) from the NEUTRAL

position (B) increases the FORWARD speed of the

associated wheel, and pulling back (C) on a lever increases

the REVERSE speed.
Moving a levers outwards (D) from the NEUTRAL position

locks the levers in the NEUTRAL position.

Note: 

The further a lever is moved away from the neutral

position, the faster the drive wheel will turn.
See the 

Zero-Turn Driving Practice

 section for steering

instructions.

Removable Floor Plate:

 The floor plate can be removed

for easy access to the mower deck. To remove the plate,

remove the retainer hardware and tilt the floor pan up and

then remove from the machine. Reverse the process for re-

installation.

 

Headlight:

 The headlight is controlled by the key

switch. When the key switch is turned to the RUN position the

headlight is on. When the the key switch is turned to the OFF

position the headlight is off.

 

Seat Adjustment Lever:

 The seat can be adjusted

forward and back. Move the lever, position the seat as

desired, and release the lever to lock the seat in position.

Operation

Before First Time Operation

• Be sure to read all information in the Safety and

Operation sections before attempting to operate this zero-

turn rider and mower deck. 

• Become familiar with all of the controls and how to stop

the machine. 

• Drive in an open area without mowing to become

accustomed to the unit. 

 WARNING 

• Never operate on slopes greater than 10 degrees. 
• Select slow ground speed before driving onto a slope.

Use extra caution when operating on slopes with a rear-

mounted grass catcher. 

• Avoid turning down slopes; if possible turn up slopes.

Use caution when changing direction on slopes and 

do

NOT start or stop on a slope.

 

 WARNING

• Never allow passengers to ride on the unit. 
• Before leaving the operator's position for any reason,

engage the parking brake, disengage the PTO, turn the

ignition switch to OFF and remove the ignition key. 

• To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine, rider and

mower free of grass, leaves and excess grease.

Do NOT stop or park rider over dry leaves, grass or

combustible materials. 

• Fuel is highly flammable and must be handled with

care. Never fill the tank when the engine is still hot from

recent operation. Do NOT allow open flame, smoking or

matches in the area. Avoid over-filling and wipe up any

spills. 

 WARNING

Do NOT load this zero-turn rider on a trailer or truck using

two separate ramps. Only use a single ramp that is at least

one foot wider than the width of the rear wheels of this rider.

This rider has a zero turning radius and the rear wheels

could fall off the ramps, or the rider could tip over injuring

the operator or bystanders.

 

Checks Before Starting

• Check that the crankcase is filled to the full mark on

the crankcase oil fill and dipstick. If necessary, add oil

through the engine oil fill. See the engine Operator’s

manual for instructions, engine oil dipstick location and oil

recommendations.

Summary of Contents for 500S Series

Page 1: ...N o t f o r R e p r o d u c t i o n...

Page 2: ...placing the Fuel Filter 21 Check Engine Oil Level 22 Changing the Engine Oil and Filter 22 Clean the Engine Compartment Area with Pressurized Air and Water 22 Engine Maintenance 22 Containing Spilled...

Page 3: ...unit may vary from the images displayed LEFT and RIGHT are as seen from the operator s position Ferris is a registered trademark of Briggs Stratton Identifying Your Unit The following products are cov...

Page 4: ...he safety alert triangle in text signifies important cautions or warnings which must be followed Operating Safety Power equipment is only as safe as the operator If it is misused or not properly maint...

Page 5: ...book the unit is safe to operate The mower deck has spinning mower blades that can amputate hands and feet Do not allow anyone near the equipment while it is running To help you the operator use this...

Page 6: ...a smartphone or an angle finder tool WARNING Do not operate on slopes greater than 10 degrees 1 Use a straight edge at least two 2 feet long A Figure 2 A 2x4 or a straight piece of metal works well 2...

Page 7: ...tions for wheel weights or counterweights 20 Keep in mind the operator is responsible for accidents occurring to other people or property 21 All drivers should seek and obtain professional and practic...

Page 8: ...f an edge caves in Give yourself a minimum of two mower widths of clearance around these hazards 11 Do not use grass catchers on steep slopes 12 Do not mow slopes you cannot back up 13 Remove obstacle...

Page 9: ...ore restarting 6 Never make adjustments or repairs with the engine running 7 Check grass catcher components and the discharge guard frequently and replace with manufacturer s recommended parts when ne...

Page 10: ...while the engine is running Stop the engine and wait until it is cool Even then use extreme care when removing the cap Safety Decals and Icons Read the safety decals before operating your unit The ca...

Page 11: ...regulations relating to fire prevention requirements Avoid serious injury or death Read the operator s manual before using this product Do not operate this machine unless you are trained Know the loc...

Page 12: ...ed control levers must be locked in the NEUTRAL position after the operator returns to the seat in order to start the engine Features and Controls Control Functions and Locations The information below...

Page 13: ...not require choking Pull the knob UP to close the choke Push the knob DOWN to open the choke PTO Power Take Off Switch The PTO switch engages and disengages the mower blades Pull UP on the switch to e...

Page 14: ...ve in an open area without mowing to become accustomed to the unit WARNING Never operate on slopes greater than 10 degrees Select slow ground speed before driving onto a slope Use extra caution when o...

Page 15: ...s to the middle position will stop rider movement Pivot the levers outward and lock them in NEUTRAL 2 Disengage the PTO by pushing down on the PTO switch 3 Engage the parking brake by pulling the park...

Page 16: ...efore attempting to do so near objects The rider turns sharply in reverse as well as forward and backing up straight takes practice Practice Turning Around A Corner 10 While traveling forward allow on...

Page 17: ...Stopping the Rider Mowing Recommendations Several factors can affect how well your machine cuts grass Following proper mowing recommendations can improve the performance and life of your machine Heigh...

Page 18: ...o fast using a slower ground speed will improve the cutting efficiency of the blades and prevents many common cutting problems Use an appropriate ground speed for the thickness and height of the grass...

Page 19: ...utting height will vary with climate time of year and quality of your lawn We recommend that you experiment with both the cutting height and ground speed until you achieve the best cut Start with a hi...

Page 20: ...rk plug opening is protected from foreign objects with a suitable cover If the unit can t be stored on a reasonable level surface chock the wheels Clean all grass and dirt from the mower Long Term Sto...

Page 21: ...en it away from the plug before beginning any maintenance or service procedures on order to prevent accidental ignition Adding Fuel WARNING Fuel and its vapors are extremely flammable and explosive Fi...

Page 22: ...stall the oil drain hose to its storage position so it is retained during normal operation 5 Place an absorbent shop cloth under the engine oil filter D Remove the engine oil filter and replace with a...

Page 23: ...e implemented any time a hydraulic system has been opened to facilitate maintenance or any additional oil has been added to the system The resulting symptoms of air in the hydraulic system may be Nois...

Page 24: ...recommended and available through your normal parts source Lithium Complex EP 2 NLGI 2 grease may be used if 5022285 is not available Using a non compatible grease could damage or cause premature par...

Page 25: ...previous sharpening or wear A Figure 26 The air lifts are excessively eroded A Figure 27 and the notch B is 25 6 35 mm deep or greater The mower blade is broken or bent 26 27 3 If the cutting edges ar...

Page 26: ...evel position Installing Mower Blades 1 Reinstall each blade with the airlifts A Figure 30 pointing up towards the mower deck as shown Install the concave side of the washer B towards the blade Instal...

Page 27: ...djust the speed of the wheel that is traveling faster 1 Tighten the knob A Figure 33 of the faster wheel by 1 2 turn clockwise increments until the rider travels tracks straight WARNING Unsafe Operati...

Page 28: ...floor pan Reverse the removal procedure Neutral Adjustment The neutral system for this mower is a function of the transaxles 1 Drive the machine to a flat level surface Engage the parking brake and di...

Page 29: ...nce between the outside tips of the blades A Figure 38 and the ground B 38 The front measurements C should equal 4 10 2 cm The rear measurements D should equal 4 1 4 10 8 cm 8 If the measurements do n...

Page 30: ...to the increased tension in the spring as the idler arm is being rotated Injury may result if the breaker bar is prematurely released while the spring is under tension 3 Using a 1 2 breaker bar place...

Page 31: ...mower deck guards and the floor pan 8 Run the mower under no load condition for about five 5 minutes to break in the new belt Transmission Drive Belt Replacement This zero turn rider is equipped with...

Page 32: ...ming from it are highly explosive Ventilate the battery well during charging A dead battery or one too weak to start the engine may be the result of a defect in the charging system or other electrical...

Page 33: ...throttle Ground speed is too fast Decrease ground speed Cutting height set too low Cut tall grass at maximum cutting height during first pass Problem Engine stalls easily with mower engaged Discharge...

Page 34: ...Engine speed is too slow Always mow at full throttle Ground speed is too fast Slow down Deck is plugged with grass Clean out the mower Specifications Specifications are correct at time of printing an...

Page 35: ...shown above or at www onlineproductregistration com or mail the completed registration card if provided or call 1 800 743 4115 in USA Save your proof of purchase receipt If you do not provide proof of...

Page 36: ...N o t f o r R e p r o d u c t i o n...

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